Big third quarter lifts Valencia in Ankara

Valencia Basket sits alone atop Group C after coming from behind to beat Turk Telekom Ankara 67-72 on Wednesday in the Turkish capital. Will Thomas shined at both ends to lead the team with 16 points, while Sam Van Rossom set a club record with 12 assists to go along with 8 points and 4 steals.
Matt Thomas added 13 points and Bojan Dubljevic scored 12 as Valencia improved its record to 2-0. Turk Telekom fell to 0-2 and is last in the group. Sylven Landesberg led the home team with 16 points, Kenny Gabriel scored 15 and T.J. Campbell had 13 in defeat.

It was nearly all Campbell for the hosts as he hit 3 three-pointers – including a four-point play – as Turk Telekom grabbed a 15-6 lead. Landesberg's second bucket of the quarter made it 17-10 after 10 minutes. The lead hit double figures twice early in the second quarter, but Dublejevic helped get Valencia back on track as it rallied to 30-29. Gabriel stepped up for Turk Telekom with his team's next 8 points – including a pair of triples – for a 38-31 halftime cushion. It was all Valencia after the break; the visitors scored the first 12 points of the third quarter with 5 each from Matt Thomas and Alberto Abalde putting Valencia in control. Landesberg kept Turk Telekom in the game, but Guillem Vives free throws made it 49-55 for Valencia through three quarters. Landesberg free throws narrowed the gap to 59-61, but a clutch Matt Thomas triple kept Valencia in control. Matt Thomas free throws in the final second wrapped up a sweet road victory for Valencia.

Key stat

A look at the box score will show that Turk Telekom played Valencia to a standstill in most statistical categories; the hosts actually won the battle of the boards (34-33), were more accurate from behind the arc (37.0%-29.4%) and rejected 4 shots to Valencia's 0. However, in one key area, Valencia posted an eye-popping number: 3 turnovers. While the hosts only turned the ball over 10 times, Valencia's minuscule number made for more possessions that the team made the most of in a close game. The main man to thank for that was Sam Van Rossom, who had only 1 turnover with his dozen assists.

Valencia's young guns

After trailing by 7 at halftime, Valencia turned the game on its head with a big third quarter, specifically on the defensive end. While all five players on the floor combined to shut Turk Telekom down for the first four minutes of the second half, the team's two youngest players on the floor did the heavy lifting on offense. Matt Thomas and Alberto Abalde scored 5 each in the 0-12 run that put Valencia in control for good.

Van Rossom's historic night

Not every time a player sets a club record is it cause for celebration. After all, some clubs are just playing their second ever EuroCup games this week. However, Valencia just put game No. 183 in the books, which is the most in competition history. So when Van Rossom delivered his 12th assist – to Will Thomas with a minute and a half left in the game, even though his thoughts were solely on securing the victory, the club record is one to be truly respected. Especially for the 32-year-old who is in his sixth season with the club. Bravo Sam!

Next week

Valencia will put its perfect record on the line on Wednesday night at home against Partizan Nis Belgrade. The night before Turk Telekom will visit France seeking its maiden win against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne.

Head Coaches

GOREN, BURAK

Turk Telekom Ankara

"We started with one of the most important candidates for the championship on our court. At the beginning of the game, we were ambitious. We played hard defense in the first half. We limited the options of Valencia, which is one of the best offensive teams in Spain. After such a good first half, we started the third quarter badly. They used the inside well. We need to develop ourselves and our tempo. We kept them to 72 points."

PONSARNAU, JAUME

Valencia Basket

"We changed our philosophy on defense in the second half, especially because they were playing well, moving the ball well and we needed to change the defense and collapse more. We think that we changed our rhythm on defense and on offense we were fighting until we won. For me the key was the defense. We became smater, calmer and controlled the rebounds and the destination of Turk Telekom, we controlled Landesberg and Kenny Gabriel. He played in the first half a lot and we controlled him in the third quarter."

Players

THOMAS, WILL

Valencia Basket

"In the second half we picked up our defensive intensity, we were able to get the lead early and keep it through the second half. Defensively I know I am one of the best defenders on the team and one of the leaders that have to make sure everybody is in the right spot and make the right decisions and try to make our defense as tough as possible. And offensively my teammates just found me in the right spots and I was able to hit some shots."